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Thursday, 28 August 2014

Blog Tour Spotlight & Giveaway - Minty by Christina Banach

Fourteen-year-old twins Minty and Jess are inseparable. Maybe
they bicker now and then, even crave a bit of space once in a while. But they
have a connection. Unbreakable. Steadfast. Nothing can tear them apart. Until a
family trip to the coast puts their bond in jeopardy. As Minty tries
to rescue her dog from drowning she ends up fighting for her life. Will Minty survive?
If she doesn’t, how will Jess cope without her? Only the stormy sea has the
answer.

1. If you could have a signed copy of any novel what would it be and why?

It has to be I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. It’s Minty’s favourite after all, and not only that, it’s a downright awesome book.

2. If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?

Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King and my late dad because they’re my heroes; Jane Austen for her sharp observations and wit; and Marilyn Munroe because I’d like to get to know the woman behind the legend.

3. Have any hidden talents you would like to share?

I don’t have any hidden talents. Sad, eh? Oh wait a minute – my husband tells me that I’m a great cook! Will that do?

4. Do the words come easily most of the time? How do you unblock your writer’s block?

Sometimes the words flow easily, other days they’re trickier to come by. When the writing isn’t going well I tell myself to get my butt on that seat, that I can do this. However, there are times when the words won’t come out the right way – or at all, in fact - no matter how long I force myself to sit at the computer. On those ‘brain freeze’ days I allow myself some time off because I recognize that my mind probably needs a little thinking space, that doing something other than writing– walking the dogs, cooking, reading and so on – will allow my subconscious to go to work after which the words will flow again.

5. Which character is your favourite and why?

I love all of my characters but my favourite has to be Minty. Why? Because not only is she proactive, feisty and brave, she’s also loving and loyal, with a quick wit and a sarcastic sense of humour to boot.

6. Who/What were your earliest influences?

My parents without doubt were my earliest influences. They encouraged the creative side of my nature – bought me books and comics, provided crayons, paper and paints and so on – and told me that I could be whatever I wanted to be, if I worked hard enough. Then, when I went to school, my teachers told me that I was a talented writer, the next Enid Blyton no less (the J K Rowling of her day) and that I would be published myself one day. I didn’t believe that, but my mum and dad did – and they never failed to remind me of it on a regular basis throughout my childhood and beyond. Interestingly enough, one of the last gifts my father gave me before he died was a laptop. I wrote much of Minty on that machine. Thank you, Dad!

About the Author

Christina Banach is a former head teacher who lives in Scotland, UK,
with her husband and their two rescue dogs. She loves walking; delicious food
and wine; evenings at the theatre; exploring new places; surfing the Net;
listening to music; and anything that makes her laugh. Plus she has a bit of a
thing about shoes and handbags. She loves reading, and is especially keen on
young adult and children's fiction (all those years buying for school
libraries!).She is currently working on her next novel.

Ooh I would love to meet Jane Austen and Martin Luther King myself as well. As well as Marilyn Monroe! I think I and the author are alike. I am sure you have hidden talents, everyone does! Sometimes they are so hidden, even we don't notice them :P